Air Force funds small business participation in research and development programs

The Air Force is searching for innovative, technology-based small businesses to compete for Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer, or SBIR and STTR, research and development contracts.

"We're trying to foster innovative technology solutions for the warfighter and the U.S. Air Force SBIR and STTR programs ( by providing) more than $300 million in funding for research and development activities by small businesses annually," said David Sikora, the Air Force SBIR/STTR program manager. "With this budget, the Air Force funds research from the early stages of concept development until it transitions to military or commercial use."

During a September roadshow, Sikora will visit several western U.S. cities, meeting with small business owners and community leaders to discuss funding for high-risk projects that meet Air Force needs, intellectual property rights for the small business and Air Force assistance with transitioning or commercializing SBIR and STTR funded technology. The roadshow will take place September 22-26, visiting locations in Bozeman, Montana; Idaho Falls and Boise, Idaho; and Salt Lake City.

The Air Force SBIR and STTR programs are mission-oriented programs that integrate the needs and requirements of the Air Force through research and development topics that have military and commercial potential. The SBIR program was established by Congress in 1982 to fund research and development, or R&D, through small businesses of 500 or fewer employees. The STTR program was established in 1992 to fund cooperative R&D projects with small businesses and nonprofit U.S. research institutions, such as universities.

For more information about the roadshow and the programs, including commercialization readiness assistance for existing contracts visit the program website at